SUNDAY: November 7, 2021: “A change is as good as a holiday” is an age-old saying!
In the case of Group 1 winning Hawkesbury trainer Edward Cummings’ recent acquisition Amiche, the change resulted in a winning New South Wales debut at Rosehill Gardens yesterday.
It also meant Cummings has now had success with both daughters of the Johannesburg mare Meerlust he has trained – and naturally is hoping there is more to come.
Amiche, the older half-sister to Cummings’ Group 1 Queensland Oaks heroine Duais, joined his stable only a few weeks ago and again showed her ability yesterday by posting her fifth victory (along with four placings) at only her 10th start.
Ridden by Josh Parr, Amiche ($4) defeated another consistent mare Undeniable ($6.50) in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m) for fillies and mares.
In the process, she added to her excellent first-up record, having won three of her four starts when resuming.
Amiche was previously a member of Sunshine Coast trainer David Vandyke’s team, and trialled twice (at the Sunshine Coast on September 21 and Deagon on October 5) before changing stables.
“David wasn’t happy that she was eating enough, and suggested to the owners that a change might be best for her,” Cummings explained today.
“Amiche is raced in the same interests as Duais, and her owners kindly sent her to me.
“The change of environment seems to have worked as she has done really well at Hawkesbury.
“She ate up overnight after winning at Rosehill, so that’s a good sign as apparently that hasn’t always been the case.”
Cummings will monitor Amiche’s progress before confirming her next assignment.
“She appreciates cut in the ground, and there was still enough give early in the program yesterday (race four) to suit her,” he said.
“It might have been a different story later in the day.
“With more wet weather being forecast, we’ll look for suitable conditions to enable her to perform at her best.
“Amiche has been lightly-raced and, being by Nicconi, I’m sure she will continue to get better.”
. Cummings terminated Duais’ spring campaign after she failed in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 16 when uncharacteristically ridden too close to the lead.
Three days earlier she had won the Group 3 Coongy Cup (2000m) at the same track.
“Duais will spell for about six weeks, and I’m confident she will come back for a successful autumn preparation,” Cummings said.
. Amiche was Cummings’ fifth winner this season and his 23rd overall since setting up shop at Hawkesbury early in 2019.
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